Bachelor of Actuarial Studies with the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Astronomy and Astrophysics
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Overview
Actuaries analyse and manage the risks associated with finance. By studying actuarial studies with either mathematics or statistics you will gain a competitive set of specialist skills.
In this degree you can major in both actuarial studies and science. The combination will give you a deeper understanding of the financial, mathematical, statistical and economic analysis needed in long term financial management.
Astronomy examines the universe via the light received from it. Astrophysics uses the laws of physics to interpret astronomical phenomena, and determine the origin and evolution of the cosmos.
You’ll explore:
- our understanding of celestial objects such as planets, stars and galaxies
- the methods through which we have gained this insight.
A strong focus is on the techniques and technology used to gather astronomical data. Using laboratories, and the optical and radio observatories on campus, you’ll develop a critical approach and in-depth research skills.
You can combine your study with: computer science, electronics, mathematics, photonics, physics.
Degrees offering Astronomy and Astrophysics
Key features
- Flexible program: tailor your studies to your interests.
- Strong links between Macquarie University and the nearby National Observatories provide many learning opportunities.
- Staff are active astronomy and astrophysics researchers, recognised at a national and international level.
- Students can apply for summer vacation scholarships to work on research projects.
Location
North Ryde
Suitable for
Students interested in astronomy, and seeking work in any field that values enhanced analytical, computational and technical skills.
HECS Course fee
AUD $4,520 p.a.
Student amenities fee
Information on the Student services and amenities fee
Entry requirements
English language requirements
If you have completed the NSW HSC or equivalent you satisfy the English proficiency requirements.
For full information view the English proficiency requirements table (436 Kb).
Work experience requirements
What you will study
| Degree requirements | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of credit points for this degree | 96 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above | 60 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above | 30 |
| Minimum number of credit points from Science designated units | 42 |
| Completion of a Qualifying Major for the Bachelor of Science | |
| Completion of a designated People unit | |
| Completion of a designated Planet unit | |
| Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below |
Double degree requirements
The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this double degree.
| 100 level | Credit Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | ACST101 | Techniques and Elements of Finance | 3 | ||
| Required | ACST152 | Introduction to Actuarial Studies | 3 | ||
| Required | MATH133 | Mathematics IB (Advanced) | 3 | ||
| Required | STAT171 | Statistical Data Analysis | 3 | ||
| Required | either | MATH132 | Mathematics IA (Advanced) | ||
| or | MATH135 | Mathematics IA | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | ACST202 | Mathematics of Finance | 3 | ||
| Required | ACST212 | Combinatorial Probability | 3 | ||
| Required | ACST255 | Contingent Payments 1 | 3 | ||
| Required | STAT271 | Statistics I | 3 | ||
| Required | STAT272 | Probability | 3 | ||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Capstone | ACST359 | C | Actuarial Modelling | 3 | |
| Required | ACST358 | Survival Models | 3 | ||
| Required | 9cp from | ACST units at 300 level | 9 | ||
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 36 | ||||
Notes
- Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
Major requirements
The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this major
| 100 level | Credit Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | PHYS140 | Physics IA | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS143 | Physics IB | 3 | ||
| Required | either | MATH135 | Mathematics IA | ||
| or | MATH132 | Mathematics IA (Advanced) | 3 | ||
| Required | either | MATH136 | Mathematics IB | ||
| or | MATH133 | Mathematics IB (Advanced) | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | PHYS201 | Physics IIA | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS202 | Physics IIB | 3 | ||
| Required | MATH235 | Mathematics IIA | 3 | ||
| Required | ASTR278 | Advanced Astronomy | 3 | ||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Capstone | ASTR310 | C | Frontiers of Astronomy and Astrophysics | 3 | |
| Required | ASTR377 | Astrophysics I | 3 | ||
| Required | ASTR378 | General Relativity and Cosmology | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS301 | Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics | 3 | ||
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 36 | ||||
Notes
- Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
- The course information contained on this page is applicable for 2012 ONLY.
For more information please read the courses disclaimer.
Careers
Career Opportunities
- astronomical research and instrumentation
- business and finance
- computing and modelling
- industrial research
- patent attorney
- remote sensing
- scientific research
- teaching (with a Diploma of Education)
Employers
? high tech companies
? defence and defence industries
? government departments
? hospitals and laboratories
? CSIRO and Anglo-Australian Observatory
? NASA/ESO and other major observatories
? overseas science and technology organisations
? universities
Average starting salary
Median starting salary is $48,000 for a physical sciences graduate (source: GradStats 2009).
Profiles
Our Students
Christopher Rawling, Bachelor of Science, major in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Christopher decided to study a Bachelor of Science with a major in Astronomy and Astrophysics as he has always been fascinated in stargazing. "Macquarie University has some great lecturers who convey their lectures in an interesting manner. The University also has connections with the Anglo Australian Observatory and has its own observatory on campus where students can do practical observations and learn about the instruments used with hands-on experience."
Our Expertise
Associate Professor, Orsola De Marco
Orsola De Marco carries out research on the physics of stars and nebulae. After obtaining her PhD at University College London on the death of common stars, she spent several years as a research assistant at the Zurich politechnic, and then back at University College London, working primarily on massive stellar winds. Before joing the Department of Physics at Macquarie University, Orsola spent around a decade at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where she became involved in the physics of binary stars and the influence of companion on the life and evolution of a star.
an education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree
